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lonelyasfranz's review against another edition
2.0
Charlie's character was poorly developed along with the emotions of every character, with the exception of Fern before the ending. This leads the overall plot and message to collapse.
murderpigeonsgobump's review
3.0
3.5
i would’ve loved this like four or five years ago, i just don’t have much interest in middle grade now. otherwise this was really good
i would’ve loved this like four or five years ago, i just don’t have much interest in middle grade now. otherwise this was really good
reeyabeegale's review against another edition
4.0
Going in to this book, I didn't know anything about it, except that it deals with family relations. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this, I believe is a middle-grade book (?)
After a few chapters in, I searched for a synopsis since I was reading an ePub version. Sadly, the synopsis gives away too many information, to which led me to prepare for whatever "tragic" experience coming along away. I didn't expect that particular instance (tragedy) though. This turned my reading experience 360 degrees, I was emotional towards the last 20 chapters.
I can't go in too much details with the synopsis without giving the story away. Character wise, I did love Fern's relationship with his gay brother, Holden. It wasn't the perfect of sibling relationship, but that's what made it believable and realistic. All in all, I loved how the characters played out in the book and they each had unique voices which made them all important--every single one of them. After the tragedy, the changes in their lifestyle and perspective out of life were relevant and fitting for that kind of experience.
All in all, I'm giving it 4 stars because it did bring me to tears. The story may not have lived with me days after reading it, but it did give me somehow of a new perspective in life and family.
After a few chapters in, I searched for a synopsis since I was reading an ePub version. Sadly, the synopsis gives away too many information, to which led me to prepare for whatever "tragic" experience coming along away. I didn't expect that particular instance (tragedy) though. This turned my reading experience 360 degrees, I was emotional towards the last 20 chapters.
I can't go in too much details with the synopsis without giving the story away. Character wise, I did love Fern's relationship with his gay brother, Holden. It wasn't the perfect of sibling relationship, but that's what made it believable and realistic. All in all, I loved how the characters played out in the book and they each had unique voices which made them all important--every single one of them. After the tragedy, the changes in their lifestyle and perspective out of life were relevant and fitting for that kind of experience.
All in all, I'm giving it 4 stars because it did bring me to tears. The story may not have lived with me days after reading it, but it did give me somehow of a new perspective in life and family.
celjla212's review against another edition
5.0
Fern is 12 years old and feels like no one cares too much about her. As the second youngest of 4 kids, she's in a place where she's not the baby but still craves attention, and she's not grown but is growing and wants privacy. The only ones that seem to notice her at all are her 3 year old brother Charlie, and her best friend, Ran.
Then an unspeakable tragedy strikes the family, and they begin to fall apart. Fern struggles with blaming herself and the rest of her family, looking for answers to only one question, "Why?"
Oh God. I cried through the ENTIRE second half of this book. It was especially hard on me, because not only do I have a little brother who was attached to my hip when he was a toddler, I have a 3 year old son myself.
Fern is at a very delicate age, but because she doesn't really cause drama for her parents or have any issues, she seems to go largely ignored in the family's day to day lives. She does, in a way, seem to be the easiest family member...her older brother and sister are teenagers and have problems of their own, and Charlie is the baby so he needs the most attention.
This book was not only about a 12 year old having to face the harsh realities of life. It was a look at the grieving process, and how humankind tries to look for logic when tragic things happen...but there seems to be no logical reason for losing loved ones, and so we eventually and painfully realize that life goes on.
This book was a very fast, heart wrenching read. It was beautifully written and really touches on so many of the emotions that we hope we never have to deal with in our own lives.
Then an unspeakable tragedy strikes the family, and they begin to fall apart. Fern struggles with blaming herself and the rest of her family, looking for answers to only one question, "Why?"
Oh God. I cried through the ENTIRE second half of this book. It was especially hard on me, because not only do I have a little brother who was attached to my hip when he was a toddler, I have a 3 year old son myself.
Fern is at a very delicate age, but because she doesn't really cause drama for her parents or have any issues, she seems to go largely ignored in the family's day to day lives. She does, in a way, seem to be the easiest family member...her older brother and sister are teenagers and have problems of their own, and Charlie is the baby so he needs the most attention.
This book was not only about a 12 year old having to face the harsh realities of life. It was a look at the grieving process, and how humankind tries to look for logic when tragic things happen...but there seems to be no logical reason for losing loved ones, and so we eventually and painfully realize that life goes on.
This book was a very fast, heart wrenching read. It was beautifully written and really touches on so many of the emotions that we hope we never have to deal with in our own lives.
christiana's review against another edition
3.0
This is kind of like trauma porn for the younger set.
I heard this was getting Newbery buzz and so I picked it up. And there is a storyline with the son that immediately shows itself. I thought to myself "Oh, I get it! This is an Issue Book about that!" and read along happily. And then Fern is kind of having problems being a middle child and feeling invisible. So I thought, "sideplot: GOT IT" and thought I had this book pegged.
And then the big twist happened. And I STILL don't even know what to say.
Obviously with big twists, you never hear about it in the summary or book flap. But in this case, I feel like you almost need to. I can't even imagine what it would feel like to be in 6th grade (or younger!) and read this or to be a mother and read this.
The moral: Good read, but be careful and talk to me before you decide to read this one. It's a bit of a doozy if you don't know what you're walking into (which you won't).
I heard this was getting Newbery buzz and so I picked it up. And there is a storyline with the son that immediately shows itself. I thought to myself "Oh, I get it! This is an Issue Book about that!" and read along happily. And then Fern is kind of having problems being a middle child and feeling invisible. So I thought, "sideplot: GOT IT" and thought I had this book pegged.
And then the big twist happened. And I STILL don't even know what to say.
Obviously with big twists, you never hear about it in the summary or book flap. But in this case, I feel like you almost need to. I can't even imagine what it would feel like to be in 6th grade (or younger!) and read this or to be a mother and read this.
The moral: Good read, but be careful and talk to me before you decide to read this one. It's a bit of a doozy if you don't know what you're walking into (which you won't).
4saradouglas's review against another edition
5.0
I read this all in one sitting. It took me a long time to pick this one up, mostly because of the boring cover, but I had heard that it was "really good" and "sad." What an understatement! I thought the book was excellent, and it wasn't sad... it was devastating. I spent pretty much the entire second half of the book sobbing. I haven't had this strong of a reaction to a book since TFiOS. Part of the reason I took it so hard was the fact that I have my own "Charlie" sleeping in the next room. It took a lot of restraint not to go in there and wake him up just so I could hold him. I definitely want to recommend this to everyone, though I know I'm going to ruin some people's days!
debbiebarr's review against another edition
5.0
I went into this book blind, but was so impressed with how the author dealt with a difficult subject matter for a middle grade audience. Just a great little book about love, grief, and family.
catcervone's review against another edition
4.0
Aw this was sweet. Not incredibly memorable, but a good read.
bookworm0302's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is my new crying book! It was so heartbreaking, but so amazing. I made the mistake of reading it before school and I sobbed. You should definitely read it if you’re ready to be torn apart. Kidding. It’s very sad though.